6 -12 Dec 2018 | Edition 899

Meet Santa

INSIDE THIS WEEK REAL ESTATE

Competition: Page 10 Jobs: Page 15 Sport: Page 16

Grotto open for visits.

PAGE 7

6

Eggs thief caught in act

4

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EDITION 899

Cell tower stress for local residents Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

L

ocal man Barry Bruce is taking on Spark in a David and Goliath battle.

An 11m-high cell tower is under construction on Mt Aspiring Road but locals are not happy about its location and less happy about the lack of consultation.

“Spark claims to have consulted at length but their application for a compliance certificate from QLDC seems to have been lodged at the same time only a limited few residents were advised,” said Bruce. “Despite many requests to Spark from affected residents to delay progress while further consideration and options are examined, Spark have chosen to ignore the requests.”

In an effort to encourage Spark to delay installation Bruce has parked a digger on the site.

“We as a community have been lobbying Spark for over a week to have a chat. I had emailed, and been battling away on my own, then the neighbours joined,” said Bruce.

“I assumed everyone would have been consulted but it turns out [Spark] only wrote to three neighbours.”

Spark’s documentation states that ‘extensive consultation’ has taken place, however Bruce believes ‘three letters does not extensive make’.

Bruce’s plea is simple: “Would you please halt progress and come have a chat. If it’s the only option then obviously we accept the need for these facilities but let’s see if there are other options available that are not as obtrusive.”

Michelle Baguley from Spark responded that, “These decisions are not made lightly and months and months of work is done by our teams and specialist engineers to source viable and appropriate locations for new telecommunications equipment.

Every possibly alternative has been thoroughly evaluated.”

“The demand for mobile services has seen an unprecedented increase in the Wanaka area over the last two years. Spark mobile customers have used six to seven times more mobile data in this period. In the past this

PHOTO: Barry Bruce

demand was very seasonal however it is now year-round although of course reaches a peak over the holiday period.”

According to Spark, when it is determined that a new facility is required Spark conducts a lengthy site-selection process. Factors include civil requirements, planning consents, radio frequency compliance, access and the maximum amount of addresses that can be served by the new tower.

“In the case of Mt Aspiring Road this work has been going on by a team of planners and radio frequency engineers for some months trying to determine the best possible location. A large number of sites were evaluated and discounted including several

other light poles, an option on private land, and alternatives further up the hill. Some of the factors that we have to take into account are interference with other existing towers, sourcing power and fibre, avoiding shadowing from the hill, avoiding dense residential areas and meeting the coverage goals,” said Baguley.

In the meantime, Bruce has been approached by Police to remove the digger and QLDC sent a parking warden to give him a ticket. He’s dreading the tower which is “smack bang in the middle” of his views over Rippon. But Spark said the whole reason they need to build this site now is to cope not with just the growth in demand, and also to be

ready for the busiest time of the year.

“If we are unable to complete the cell site this side of Christmas then we risk being forced to advise Wanaka customers that mobile coverage may be jeopardised over the busy holiday period.”

So will Spark show up for the chat that Bruce is asking for? No. Michelle said, “While I appreciate and can understand Barry’s enquiry—months and months of research went into searching for an appropriate site and at least half a dozen other alternatives were evaluated and eventually discounted.

No decision on a site is ever taken lightly.”

Pictured: Digger of protest, parked over the cell site on Mt Aspiring Road.

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Christmas cheer twinkles in town ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: wanaka sun archives

Police call for leads in Hawea fire STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka Police have appealed for information following two scrub fires started by people shooting fireworks from a ute early last month. no new leads have been forthcoming.

At around 5.20pm on Friday, November 2, a roman candle-type firework was lit and fired from the passenger side of the ute on State Highway 6 near the Hawea Dam structure. The firework sparked a scrub fire on the bank on the west side of the road, which quickly spread to a forested area near five houses.

It took fire crews from Lake Hawea, Wanaka, Makarora, Luggate, Tarras, Dunstan, Blackstone and Glenorchy, with air support from five helicopters with monsoon buckets, to extinguish the blaze, before it reached the houses.

New Zealand Police, Department of Conservation, Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management, New

Zealand Transport Agency and Queenstown Lakes District Council were also involved in the operation.

Police said another roman candle firework was fired from the same vehicle from a carpark at Cameron Creek near Makarora on State Highway 6 at around 6.30pm. This also started a fire in a grass area, which was put out by the people in the ute.

The ute is described as a darkcoloured Mitsubishi Triton with a wooden deck.

Constable Gregory Nolet said in statement released to media, four men in their mid 20s were seen in the ute.

“This was reckless and dangerous behaviour that put lives and homes at risk.”

Police would like to hear from anyone in the area at the time that witnessed the incidents, anyone who can identify the ute or the four men in it. They are asked to contact the Wanaka Police on (03) 443 7272.

Pictured: The aftermath of the fire.

The weather did not stop the Wanaka community from welcoming Christmas to town last Friday. With the threat of thunderstorms, the Landmark Homes Lighting of the Christmas Tree ceremony of the community’s 7.3m-tall Christmas tree was moved from the lawn of Wanaka Hotel into the Lake Wanaka Centre with guests filling the space and another hundred of them enjoying the festivities outside by the tree.

The event organiser, Jennifer (Jen) Anderson, along with Wanaka’s Kahlarni Hondelink, grandson to Department of Conservation’s Paul Hondelink who passed away in a helicopter crash near Wanaka in October, lit the tree this year.

“I had a theme of lighting the tree for absent family and friends this year after having been such a tough year for losing people in tragic accidents,” said Anderson.

The town’s self-proclaimed Christmas fairy said this will be her last time donning the holiday organiser hat as she is passing on the torch next season.

The community partook in the Christmas cheer through a range of support between Christmas tree installation to local musical groups and artists performing Christmas carols and other songs to the guests.

Anderson said, “I want to thank those who gave generously on Friday night for three of our emergency services; we raised $750 to go to St John [Ambulance], Fire Brigade Crash Unit and LandSAR [search and rescue].”

Pictured: Wanaka’s community Christmas tree displayed on Wanaka Hotel’s lawn.

PHOTO: Allison McLean/Wanaka Sun

Salmon samples needed from Lake Wanaka ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

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F&G is trying to collect at least 20 salmon samples to support its study to investigate the differences in Chinook salmon populations. F&G field officer Paul van Klink said DNA samples have been plentiful from salmon caught in Lake Wakatipu and Lake Hawea.

“We have heard of the odd salmon being caught in Lake Wanaka and anglers are asked to contact us if they catch a salmon so that we can ensure a skin sample is collected.”

F&G requires information on the fish’s length, weight, date and the location it was caught.

Anyone wishing to help can email or call Fish &

PHOTO: supplied by Fish & Game Council

Game to arrange pick-up of the fresh or frozen fish head or it can be dropped off at the field office at 2 Ree Crescent, Cromwell.

Pictured: Cawthron Institute’s Rasmus Gabrielsson with a landlocked salmon.

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Call for WRC food and drink proposals STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

Wanaka Recreation Centre (WRC) is set to get an on-site coffee cart or similar food and beverage tenant as QLDC calls for proposals for the service.

The successful provider will operate outside the main entrance.

QLDC Sport and Recreation Manager Simon Battrick said the ongoing development of Three Parks as a commercial, residential and education hub “will certainly influence future demand at Wanaka Recreation Centre.”

Queenstown Lakes District Council is also seeking proposals for the provision of on-site food and beverage services at Queenstown Events Centre.

“We expect foot traffic to increase at both venues in line with district-wide population growth and Council’s ongoing investment in sport and recreation facilities through the twin masterplan projects currently underway.”

QLDC hopes to identify experienced operators who can offer a menu of fresh and healthy food options while also providing high quality baristastyle coffee alongside other hot and cold drinks.

Minimum opening hours will be established as part of both tender processes to ensure service is available during each centre’s peak hours.

PHOTO: wanaka sun archives Both request for proposal documents are It is anticipated that the WRC operation will begin available on the Tenders and EOIs page of QLDC’s website. Proposals must be received before 10am by early February 2019 while the café service at QEC will begin on Monday, March 4. on Friday, December 21.

PHOTO: supplied by Kate Bodger

Hawea Flat students are up for the digital challenge

Newcastle Track undergoing maintenance ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Department of Conservation (DOC) will carry out continual maintenance on parts of Newcastle Track near Luggate after recent storm water caused further erosion and growth of a major slip in the track.

DOC senior ranger Annette Grieve told the Wanaka Sun, “DOC is working with the adjacent landowner on proposed intervention measures to control scouring of the terrace edge above the track. Despite the proposed instigation of remedial measures, we expect some gully erosion through exposure to the elements as the gully walls seek to establish stable side walls. Because of this, ongoing maintenance of the track and visitor caution during heavy rain events will be required.”

The riverbank area is controlled by the DOC and remains open. Local residents noticed the recent washout after heavy rains two weeks ago and reported the formation of a new slip.

A geotechnical report last August for Otago Regional Council (ORC) includes a July 2018 commissioned study by ORC and describes large scale gully erosion on Reko’s Bluff, a terrace face on the north bank of the Clutha/Mata-Au River.

This area has been gradually changing since 2015, but recent major rainfall has caused the issue

PHOTO: Terry Hetherington

to worsen, including steep gravel cliffs eroding and alluvial fans forming in the river, thereby damaging parts of the Newcastle Track. The former tussock grassland, which once acted as a sponge to retain rainfall, was converted to pasture grasses in 2014. The current landowners installed irrigators this year, which reportedly have the potential to exacerbate erosion. The long-term impacts of the Reko’s Bluff washouts on the Clutha River ecosystem are said to be unknown.

Pictured: Newcastle Track near Luggate.

ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Four young minds from Hawea Flat School were put to the test at New Zealand’s 2018 digital challenge the at Te Papa museum in Wellington yesterday.

The Year Three children, Laia Mctaggart, Axel Worthington, Josh Tombling and Loui Sutton, completed the in-school component of project-based challenges as part of the Hawea Code Club before advancing to the four challenges in Wednesday’s 123Tech Mini Expo and National Finals to show computational thinking, including algorithm searches, sorting networks and binary numbers. The event’s format is based around the country's new Digital Technologies & Hangarau Matihiko curriculum, which will be integrated into all schools by 2020 and is in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

“We had done some of the challenges at our Hawea Flat Code Club and were contacted by Code Club Aotearoa to attend the finals. So we kind of competed at regionals, but not like the senior students do. We were offered

the chance to attend after completing the Electric Garden NZ program, which teaches digital technologies through growing giant pumpkins,” said Hawea Flat School Year Two and Three teacher, Kate Bodger, who also heads the school’s digital technologies and leads its Code Club.

Bodger said she is releasing this work in other Hawea Flat classrooms to help further integrate digital technologies.

“I believe it is really important that students are involved in learning about digital technologies so they understand the 'how' and 'why' of using computers.

We aim to make creators with tech and not consumers.”

The Challenge operates under a version of the Creativity in Science and Technology (CREST) programme from the Royal Society of NZ. CREST supports students from all levels to work through all stages of problem solving, including the digital tech steps of defining a problem, experimenting on possible solutions, taking guidance from industry mentors, creating a solution and reflecting on it.

Pictured: (left to right) Laia Mctaggart, Josh Tombling, Axel Worthington and Loui Sutton of Hawea Flat School.

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Christmas cheer twinkles in town Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Melanie Churchill

Preschool grows through sustainable donations ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

An early holiday gift to Wanaka Preschool will continue to be fruitful.

Students at the enviroschool received a donation and installation of edible plants last week to help them engage with and absorb opportunities to learn more about sustainability. Michael Tither from The Plant Store supplied the plants and kõwhai trees while Te Kãkano Aotearoa Trust donated natives with the Trust’s Andrew Penniket coming along to help put them in the ground and offer plant care education.

Melanie (Mel) Churchill, Kereru Programme lead teacher, contacted local plant suppliers in the community to request donations in order to strengthen the preschool children’s role in caring for native plants, including a new rãtã tree that is planted near the building’s front doors and fruit trees that will allow harvesting and cooking opportunities.

“We love seeing our children pick

The weather did not stop the Wanaka community from welcoming Christmas to town last Friday.

With the threat of thunderstorms, the Landmark Homes Lighting of the Christmas Tree ceremony of the community’s 7.3m-tall Christmas tree was moved from the lawn of Wanaka Hotel into the Lake Wanaka Centre with guests filling the space and another hundred of them enjoying the festivities outside by the tree.

The event organiser, Jennifer (Jen) Anderson, along with Wanaka’s Kahlarni Hondelink, grandson to Department of Conservation’s Paul Hondelink who passed away in a helicopter crash near Wanaka in October, lit the tree this year.

“I had a theme of lighting the tree for absent family and friends this year after having been such a tough year for losing people in tragic accidents,” said Anderson.

The town’s self-proclaimed Christmas fairy said this will be her last time donning the holiday organiser hat as she is passing on the torch next season.

The community partook in the Christmas cheer through a range of support between Christmas

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

WANAKA

FINE ART

A 24-year-old man was seriously hurt after being hit by a car near Lake Hawea late on Saturday night.

A police spokeswoman said they were called to Denniston Road at

PHOTO: Ray Tiddy Photography

as vendors because it had a really nice atmosphere,” he said.

“There was no trouble—it was an easy, well-run day so it all came together nicely. From all the feedback it was really good which was a dream result.”

In addition to the beer, kai on offer included a hugely popular barbecue, and Indian and Asian cuisine.

One highlight of the event was the home brew competition which was taken out by Wanaka local, Harvey Kane.

James Julian said next year will be even better although he’s not sure about increasing ticket sales.

“We are very conscious of the atmosphere and we don’t want to get too big too soon so that people feel lost,” he said.

Based on the popularity and success of this year, it is undoubtable that the 2019 event will sell out early.

Pictured: Wanaka Beerfest 2018; enjoyed by all.

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tree installation to local musical groups and artists performing Christmas carols and other songs to the guests.

Anderson said, “I want to thank those who gave generously on Friday night for three of our emergency services; we raised $750 to go to St John [Ambulance], Fire Brigade Crash Unit and LandSAR [search and rescue].”

Pictured: Wanaka’s community Christmas tree displayed on Wanaka Hotel’s lawn.

Sell-out Beerfest a success

an apple off the tree to eat as they are going about their explorations, or gather several to make apple chips for afternoon kai time. Last year we had one apple tree and we wanted to improve on this and now we have six fruit trees growing. The response was very humbling and both suppliers were overwhelmingly willing to help. We harnessed the help of our wonderful parent community and our children to hold a 'big plant out' on the delivery day last Thursday,” said Wanaka Preschool professional leader Christine Smith.

Smith said her team is grateful for the support of local businesses and trusts to benefit their enviroschool programme, of which sustainable communities is a cornerstone principle.

The new plantings continue the momentum of the school’s outdoor playscape design, which recently included an extensive upgrade to the play area as a repurposed space for Emma Conyngham children to explore and discover. newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Pictured: Volunteers at Wanaka Preschool’s ‘big plant out day’ last week. In a region where wine is making headlines around the world, local beers are also gaining impressive respect and some devoted fans. Last Saturday’s Wanaka Beerfest saw record numbers attend the event which is in its third year. Organiser James Julian said it was a sell-out crowd of 1350—thankfully the weather held off and everyone had a good time.

11.25pm on Saturday. The man “Everyone just really enjoyed themselves and was taken to Dunedin Hospital by enjoyed the entertainment,” he said. helicopter, she said. The man was Six local breweries plied their fares at the beerfest believed to be in a serious condition. along with other craft breweries from around the Despite their efforts, there has South Island. been no progress in identifying the James Hay from B.Effect Brewing Co said it was driver and police continue to make really good event. enquiries to locate the vehicle.

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PHOTO: Allison McLean/Wanaka Sun

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Donated tents for SAR Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: Supplied

Startup appoints trustees STAFF REPORTER

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

David Wallace and Wayne Hudson, both of Wanaka, and Luke Taylor, of Queenstown, have been appointed to Board of Trustees of Startup Queenstown Lakes Trust. The Trust’s organisers separately appointed Queenstown’s Madison Stumbles as a trustee apprentice.

“We have a strong economy for tourism and hospitality, but we must be taking steps now to diversify our income streams and create high paying jobs for locals,” said Trent Yeo, a founding organiser of SQLT. “David, Luke and Wayne have the skills, experience, and passion to give the initiatives of Startup Queenstown

PAGE 6

Lakes the leadership it needs to ensure we have a more sustainable community. I couldn’t be more excited to have them take the reins.”

David Wallace has a background in investment banking, equities research and corporate treasury and is managing director of Armillary Private Capital.

Wayne Hudson is a legal consultant with more than 35 years experience as a commercial and corporate lawyer. Luke Taylor is the general manager for Go Orange and former operations manager for Real Journeys. Content marketing manager Madison Stumbles will be a voice for new entrepreneurs and a sounding board for the startup ecosystem as she learns about governance.

Pictured: Startup Queenstown Lakes Trust Board of Trustees.

On Saturday December 1, Macpac presented LandSAR with three new alpine tents: a two-, three-, and four-person tent in a gesture of thanks and support for their continued hard work in the Otago region. The gift came about in response to the need that was identified in August with the dramatic rescue of Lt Terry Harch from Mount Aspiring after a week on his own in freezing conditions.

Lt Terry Harch set out to climb the mountain on Friday, July 27, and was expected back on Monday, July 30. A search was initiated when a friend of the lieutenant’s advised Police that he was missing and the climber triggered his Spot device.

He was found alive just north of the plateau at Quarterdeck Pass on Mt Aspiring on Thursday, August 2. He had been on his own for nearly seven days in freezing conditions, 50-60kph winds and at times heavy snow before he was spotted by the volunteers who had been searching the mountain from the air.

A Wanaka Alpine Cliff Rescue team and a paramedic were dropped by helicopter on the mountain and made their way to the 29-year-old climber. The wind was too strong to winch the climber off the mountain so the rescuers stayed with him overnight.

Phillip Melchior, spokesperson for LandSAR said that operation highlighted that their tents were not adequate for purpose.

“We realised our tents weren’t what we needed in that situation because the guy was in the advanced stages of hypothermia and we needed something bigger where a person could work on him all night and the space was very confined with too many

THURSDAY 06.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 12.12.18

PHOTO: Supplied

people,” said Melchior.

“Obviously we’re very grateful. This is equipment that became obvious that we needed and is another good example of Wanaka community support.”

Head of the specialist alpine team, Gary Dickson, talked to the Macpac staff members about how the tents would allow his team to remain safe in hazardous mountain environments. Dickson explained that the size of the Hemisphere tent would ease the provision of medical attention for the injured party when weather or geography prevented aerial rescue.

Phil Rakena, manager of Wanaka Macpac, said, “while Macpac encourages everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors, we are aware adventures into the wild come with risks. The Wanaka Search and Rescue team are invaluable, and we are proud to give them our continual support.”

Picture: Greg Dobrzanski, Gary Dickson, Philip Rakena, Millie Earle-Wright and Phillip Melchior.

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Sun News

Santa’s Grotto opens

New Patients and Visitors Welcome

Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Upper Clutha Community Christmas Trust kicked off its fifth Santa’s Grotto last Saturday; the community event at Lake Wanaka Centre is a chance for Upper Clutha children to visit with Santa and enjoy plenty of holiday cheer.

The event is fun for the whole family and offers a variety of festive activities, including community voting on 18 Christmas trees decorated by local businesses, a chance to see Santa, plenty of photo opportunities, raffles, as well as a chance to watch Santa’s elves busy at work.

The cost is $3 per person; however, the event is free on Sunday if guests bring a new, unwrapped small gift for an adult, which will be donated to the food bank for distribution. Entry fees and raffles are funnelled back into the event to keep it running each year.

“This year, we donated $1000 to the community services food bank for chickens and ham,” said event organiser Jennifer (Jen) Anderson.

The Grotto remains open until Sunday, December 9, at Lake Wanaka Centre.

Hours are Thursday, December 6, 4.30 to PHOTO: Supplied 6pm; Friday, December 7, 4.30 to 6pm; Saturday Photo: Organiser of Santa’s Grotto Jen Anderson December 8, 11am to 1pm and 3 to 5pm; and with her family, Lilly, Stacey and Riley Anderson.

Sunday, December 9, 11am to 1pm and 3 to 5pm.

Central Lakes Trust funds November projects ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

A thousand Central Lakes homes will stay better insulated thanks to a November grant that will span the next four years. Central Lakes Trust (CLT) is giving a further $658,300 towards insulation after assisting the insulation funding of more than 600 homes through the Smart Energy Solutions subsidies. The new grant will support two lower income sectors of the community, insulating ceiling and underfloor, for 250 households per year.

Since the previous four-year programme and alongside other contributors, CLT has increased its funding to 25 percent thereby leaving the two homeowner groups to pay the remaining eight to 60 percent of insulation costs per house.

Low income houses need to be pre-2008, and the homeowner must have a Community Services

card or a Super Gold card, be referred by the Health Homes initiative or live in a NZ Deprivation index area of nine or 10.

“Approximately 2,315 houses meet this criteria in the district,” said CLT chief executive Susan Finlay.

“Our contribution to this fund will be $100,000 per year for the next three years, commencing July 2019, assuming that EECA [Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority] funding is available.”

Finlay said the insulation health benefits are significant and 200 houses are already on a waiting list for the retrofit.

CLT also provided November grants to Wanaka Yacht Club to aid the delivery of a youth development sailing programme through funded equipment purchases. The programme has grown from 32 participants in 2014 to 250 in 2018, with a waiting list of six to 12 months. The objectives include water safety, education and activation of youth.

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Lions scholarship recipients

PHOTO: Upper Clutha Lions

Ruth Bennie and Amy Richards were this year’s recipients of the scholarship which is now in its fifth editor@thewanakasun.co.nz year. It enables students, aged 16 to 21 years old, to The Upper Clutha Lions presented two scholarships attend a leadership course at Borland Lodge. From at the Mount Aspiring College senior prizegiving, all the applications, two students are chosen by the which was held on November 23. college to receive the financial boost.

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Youth benefit from new mindfulness programme Ollie Blyth

Junior Reporter

PHOTO: Central Otago District Council

Cromwell wastewater upgrade complete ahead of schedule ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

The Central Otago District Council (CODC) has completed the Cromwell Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project early and under budget.

The upgrade is the first phase of the CODC’s 10-year plan to improve the quality of the district's urban wastewater discharges, which also included connecting the Bannockburn Wastewater System to Cromwell.

The Council Infrastructure Team attributes the early and efficient project completion to the new design and construction methods by contractors Fulton Hogan and Downers.

Kicking off in January 2016, the final project cost $8 million, rather than the estimated $10.9 million, which saved ratepayers $2.9 million to be reinvested into future projects within the same plan.

Some of the new technology includes chemical-free filtering

and discharging the treated water, which is reportedly clean enough for swimming, into Lake Dunstan.

The upgraded plant now has the ability to deal with three times the volume allowing it to keep up with the demands of Central Otago’s growing population base. “Thanks to the upgrade, E. coli levels are 1000 times better and we’re ready to handle the demands of our growing population efficiently and sustainably,” said deputy mayor and Cromwell Community Board chair Neil Gillespie.

The Central Otago District Council successfully manages seven public wastewater schemes in the region.

“The quality of our water is important, not just for today, but for future generations so that we can all continue to enjoy the things we love about our region such as swimming, boating and fishing,” said Gillespie.

Pictured: Pond with new aquarators installed.

Topics like mental health have been prevalent in global discussion recently, and many believe that youth are some of the worst affected by issues such as anxiety or depression. It is estimated that a staggering 26 percent of 18-24 year olds will suffer some form of mental illness. Teachers at MAC have recognised that mental health and mental wellbeing is important for their students, and positive actions are being made.

As of September this year, Year Tens at MAC have been delivered .b (pronounced ‘dot bee’) an internationally created, ten-week course. The programme was created by the Mindfulness in School Project, who aim to encourage the teaching of secular mindfulness across the globe. It focuses on the wellbeing of adolescents and how elements like stress and worry can be managed through simple acts of mindfulness.

Local health and physical education teacher

Carol Bradley teaches the programme, and she stresses that .b is not about telling students what is good for them because you have heard it is, but because you know it is. “In order to be a swimming instructor you need to have spent plenty of time in the pool. Similarly, in order to teach mindfulness you need to have repeatedly experienced it yourself over a period of time and understood its paradoxes and complexities,” she says.

MAC is one of the only schools in New Zealand that includes .b as part of their compulsory health subject. Students have reacted positively to the course, as it challenges them to unlock skills not required by conventional school subjects. This could come in the form of acts of gratitude, mindful breathing, mindful eating and ‘just be-ing.’

However, it is not all about making giant steps, according to Bradley, “At its most simple .b is an awareness-raising exercise to give all students a taste of mindfulness so that they know about it and can return to it later in life if they choose to do so.”

Vienna Harley and Honour Jones put up a lemonade stall with a difference last Thursday. The motivated sevenyear-olds were giving away the lemonade they had made. They had also created some line drawings to give away to kids to colour in.

PHOTO: Mylrea Bell

Property law: a lot has changed December. I know. Crazy busy, flat stick, zilch-time-for-educational-reading-typehectic. So, for those who can only manage a paragraph or two, I’ll cut right to the chase and give you this column’s key takeaways.

Here goes. If you’ve bought or sold property before, and are planning to again, be prepared for a different landscape – including new rules, considerations, fishhooks and timelines, even terminology. Whether you’ve bought and sold one home, or 101, your next transaction will play out differently in some way shape or form.

And ... regardless if you’re buying or selling, please do call your property lawyer BEFORE anything else. That’s more important than ever. For some of these changes, you need advance warning, understanding and prep time.

Scheduling a catch-up with your legal adviser once you’re about to, or – cue, sharp intake of breath – have already signed a contract, is leaving it way, way too late, and exposes you to all sorts of avoidable woes.

There, done. If you’re under the pump, but you’ve managed to digest the previous two paragraphs, my last Hard Case for 2018 has achieved its mission. So, for those too frenetic to read on, Merry Christmas, have an amazing New Year, and a fab holiday season all round.

Just don’t forget: if you’re trading property over the summer, a lot has changed: consult your lawyer – preferably right at the outset, and certainly before you sign anything.

But, wait, there’s more ... ... for those who have a few spare moments.

Anyone who’s followed the changes in property law – especially since 2015 – could be forgiven for developing a case of whiplash. If anything, they’ve come even thicker, and faster, this year.

In amongst the finance, the easements, building

reports and LIMs, nowadays there’s something far more basic that can stop any transaction right in its tracks: admin and compliance.

The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009 – or “AML”, as it’s more commonly known – is part of a worldwide initiative to crack down on illegal activities, including money laundering and terrorism. Nice, law-abiding citizens wonder what on earth such a piece of ominoussounding legislation could possibly have to do with their plans to buy a three-bedroom home in Albert Town. The looks on many of our long-standing clients’ faces when we ask them to provide documentation to prove who they are is meme-worthy. We get it. The reality is, though, we must have that proof on file for everyone, no matter how well we know them – and, in most cases, the law forbids us from even starting work until we do. Banks, also, are required to capture the same information, as will real estate agents come January. So, be sure to provide whatever your lawyer requests as soon as possible, so they can get cracking.

confirms whether the potential buyer qualifies to buy the property under the new laws, has not been completed until after a sales and purchase agreement has been signed. Where it later transpires the buyer is considered an overseas person, it can lose them their deposit and other costs, but it’s also hitting vendors through lost opportunity and wasted fees. Key message: whichever side of the sale’s fence you’re sitting on, ensure a Residential Land Statement is completed BEFORE a sale and purchase agreement – conditional or not – is signed.

Forewarned is forearmed

One of the biggest property stories of this year has, of course, been the introduction of new laws around who can buy what property in New Zealand, and under what circumstances. If you’re a foreign national, my blanket advice is to touch base with a property lawyer before you even start looking to check your status.

Most are across the fact that property tax now applies in New Zealand – but many don’t understand how broadly, and that the rules have changed along the way. Again, another reason to seek early advice, before you commit to something that unexpectedly hits you in pocket. Originally, tax applied on all property traded within two years – with a few exemptions, including the family home, or property that comes as part of a relationship property settlement or inheritance. What changed earlier this year is the threshold – it’s now non-exempt property traded within five years, not two. When the clock starts ticking can also vary, depending on the transaction – so get your lawyer’s advice on what applies in your case. Another fact that’s not widely understood is that the family home exemption is not absolute – you only get to trade twice within a five-year period without incurring tax.

What hasn’t been appreciated is that these new laws affect everyone – not just overseas people – by virtue of the new Residential Land Statement that must be completed as part of every transaction. There have already been cases where sales have come to grief because the required Residential Land Statement, which

We’ve also just welcomed the Land Transfer Act 2017. It’s a refresh, rather than overhaul, of its predecessor, the 1952 Act. While it brings with it some new legal technicalities, what most people who have traded property before are most likely to notice is modernised, more userfriendly terminology and forms.

Foreign buyer laws

www.aspiringlaw.co.nz

PAGE 8

THURSDAY 06.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 12.12.18

with Janice Hughes And, remember, the slew of recent changes sit alongside the numerous complexities and variables that already underpin property law.

The problem we’re seeing is people expecting everything’s like it was whenever they last bought or sold. It’s seriously not. Whether you’re buying or selling, the difference between avoiding the pitfalls, and careering headlong into one, is likely checking the lay of the land with your lawyer before you do anything else.

Forewarned really is forearmed.

So, that’s Hard Case for 2018 – I’ll see you again in early 2019. Until then, from all of us here at Aspiring Law, we wish you and yours a very happy, safe holiday season.

Please remember: the information in this column is designed as a general guide only and should not replace specific legal advice on a particular issue.

Janice Hughes is a Director of Aspiring Law. If you have questions or feedback about this article, please contact Janice on 03 443 0900, or email janice@aspiringlaw.co.nz.

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CAMERA CLUB ‘IN FOCUS’

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PHOTO: Kathy Tweedie

Sunsets: capturing the day’s end MOORE B BOB Wanaka Camera Club Sunsets are a favourite photographic subject whatever the time of year as the rich colours and dramatic shapes make stunning photos. But quite often the image our camera catches can be disappointing as the colours look a paler version of the sunset we saw with our naked eye. With a little thought about composing the scene and adjusting our camera settings to make the most of the colours, we will be able to create some stunning sunset pictures.

The key aim of our camera settings is to make sure we capture the colours as they are , not as the camera thinks they should be. Photos taken with the camera’s automatic setting often look washed out. Deliberately underexposing our image by using the camera’s ‘exposure compensation’ setting will almost certainly result in richer colours and darker silhouettes giving a more pleasing picture. Another method to get the right exposure is ‘bracketing’ where we take a few shots at setting under and over the one the camera suggests. Most DSLR and upper range compacts have a built-in bracketing feature so we don’t need to do this manually. A further method to determine the correct exposure is to use our camera’s ‘auto exposure lock’ which enables us to point our camera at a darker place (say the foreground) and ‘lock-in’ the exposure for that spot and then reframe the picture looking at the sunset.

This will give us a more overexposed shot and help to eliminate pale, underexposed colours.

If we are shooting in ‘JPG’ format and have our camera set at auto ‘white balance’ we risk losing some of the warm golden tones of the sunset.

Instead we should try shooting in ‘cloudy’ or ‘shade’ modes which will result in our camera warming things up. However, if shooting in ‘raw’ we have much more control over white balance in postproduction editing.

Don’t forget to turn around as sometimes the scene behind us can be fantastically lit. A wide angle lens can create majestic landscape shots with fantastic lighting. But if we want to make the sun itself the major feature we will need to zoom

in using a telephoto lens, being aware not to look directly at the sun.

Sunsets need a focal point of interest. Of course this could be the sky, but other ways of achieving this is to incorporate some sort of silhouette like a mountain range, tree, pier or even a person. A sunset reflected into water is also a great way to add interest to a picture. Keep shooting after the sun has vanished below the horizon. When composing our photo avoid placing the horizon line dead in the centre of the frame. If emphasising the sky place the horizon around the lower third of the frame.

Conversely, if emphasising to a landscape or the reflection of the sun on water position the horizon close to the upper third of the frame. Not all sunset pictures have to be taken in the direct path of the sun, when omitted the sun emits a warm glow that can make an ordinary scene look far more interesting.

Kathy Tweedie enjoyed the opportunity offered by photographing a landscape lit up by the setting sun.

Kathy took her picture ‘Wedderburn Sunset’ when on a WCC field trip. She had a wonderful day with lots of friendly advice from other club member. Late in the day the sun gave a spectacular glow and an opportunity to get some landscape pictures using the glorious sunset light. Kathy really wanted to have the old dray in the picture as it added character and interest. She took the picture at 8.30pm using a Panasonic DMC-G85 camera attached to a Lumix G vario 14-140mm lens with an aperture set at f4.7, a shutter speed of 1/160th sec and ISO of 200. Kathy tweaked her image in post-production editing using Photoshop CS6. Her picture really impressed the WCC judge who gave it an honours award.

Wanaka Camera Club is dedicated to helping improve the skills of anyone interested in photography . We welcome anyone to join us, irrespective of photographic ability. If you know nothing about photography we will teach you.

Come along and see what we can do for you.

The next meeting is our annual dinner and prize winning evening on Monday, February 10, 6.30.pm at the St John Rooms, Link.Way. Next club meeting is February 12, 2019, 7.30pm at the same venue.

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Coastguard to deploy emergency distress flare test ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Do not be alarmed if you see colorful distress flares in the sky this Sunday as Coastguard Wanaka Lakes (CWL) will have everything under control. The emergency distress flares demonstration is scheduled this Sunday as part of CWL’s community Families Day at the Wanaka Marina.

The flares will be demonstrated to onlookers from 10.30 to 11am in Roys Bay and will include

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red and white parachute distress flares and floating orange smoke flares.

The CWL Families Day is a safety awareness programme to help protect families on the water, support locals and help educate the population about safe boating practises. CWL crew members will be on hand to talk about the importance of wearing a life jacket, raising awareness of Coastguard initiatives and how they serve the community, as well as offering a chance for the public to ride the Coastguard Rescue Vessel.

Families day will run between 9am and 12pm.

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Wanaka Sun Christmas Photography Competition

PHOTO: Briony Martin

Local dancer heads to NZ School of Dance Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

Dance Wanaka student, Zoe Fraser, has clinched a coveted place in the New Zealand School of Dance Associates Programme. The Associates Programme identifies ballet and contemporary dance students between the ages of 13 and 16 who have the talent for a career in dance performance. Associates travel from throughout the country to the New Zealand School of Dance in Wellington for four weekends of intensive tuition a year as well as attending regional masterclasses by the Royal New Zealand Ballet.

Fraser, 13, has been a student in classical, jazz, contemporary and acro since she was five years old at Dance Wanaka. Finding out she had won a place in the programme was a big moment.

“I was really excited and a bit nervous,” she said.

“It’s a big step up in my dancing and I’m most looking forward to improving my dancing and growing in confidence.”

PAGE 10

Fraser recently passed BBO Intermediate Foundation exam with distinction for classical. Her teacher, Briony Martin, has taught Fraser since she was Grade One and has seen her technique develop over the years.

“She’s very talented naturally but also extremely hard working which is a perfect combination. She’s very determined and a pleasure to work with,” said Briony. “It’s also quite trail-blazing for Wanaka as she’s the first classical dancer to climb the national ladder. Hopefully there will be more to follow.”

The New Zealand School of Dance has developed their pathways for aspiring dancers with a Scholars Programme from age 10, and the Associates Programme from age 13. By 16, it is expected that students who complete the Associates Programme will audition for the Diploma in Dance which has the NZQA equivalent of a Bachelor’s Degree. Fraser (pictured) already has her eyes on the prize and plans to continue through professional training at NZSD and onto a career on the stage.

We are looking for iconic Wanaka Christmas photos; combining the joy of the season with the incredible natural backdrop that makes up our daily landscape. We will publish all photos on our Facebook page with a selection in the paper each week and a winner drawn on January 3.

In addition to bragging rights, you could win a SanDisk SDXC Extreme High Speed Card 64GB and a Fine Art Canvas Paper Print 24” x 16” (frame not included) worth $220.

The prize has been very generously donated by Yes Photo & Digital.

The competition is open to photographers of all ages. Terms

and Conditions are available on our website and include but are not limited to; no trademarks are to appear in the photos, images must not show inappropriate or dangerous behaviour, images must not have been previously published in print or online (including social media) and anyone under 18 must have parent or guardian consent to be in the image.

The images will be judged by the editorial team at The Wanaka Sun. Submit your jpeg images to newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz. File size should be minimum 1MB and maximum 10MB.

Yes Photo & Digital, located in the heart of Wanaka next to the Vodafone store at 123 Ardmore drive. We stock an extensive range of camera equipment, lenses and supplies from: Canon, GoPro, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and more! Including memory cards, hard drives, batteries and chargers and a full 35mm photo development lab on-site!

THURSDAY 06.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 12.12.18

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MAC athletes win national titles Ollie Blyth

Junior Reporter

Open bring stars to the course STAFF REPORTER

Last weekend, five MAC students travelled to the Caledonian Grounds in Dunedin, and came home with national titles under their belts.

Zoe Smith (pictured), who won bronze at the NZ Secondary Schools Athletics Championships last year, finished off with first place in the junior girls’ 1500m race.

Abby Fisher returned home with third place in the junior girls’ 100m sprint, and Abby East claimed seventh place in the junior girls’ 400m sprint.

Also successful was the junior girls’ 4x400m relay sprint team (Georgie Bruce, Scarlett Norman, Abby East and Abby Fisher), who raced into

editor@thewanakasun.co.nz

PHOTO: supplied

first place.

The students were met with great congratulations from the school community upon their return to school, adding further titles to the school’s name, if not just their own.

A white Christmas at Cardrona

Representatives from NZ Golf and Sport Otago watched on as two of the region’s brightest young stars delivered on Sunday at the 2019 Wanaka Junior Open.

Jack Turner took out the main prize with an impressive one under par 69, followed home by Callum Judkins who returned a 72 that included a hole in one on the par three second. Both players had made the effort to attend the event on the back of a gruelling trip to Christchurch to represent Otago in the Toro Men's Interprovincial.

Beyond the 18 hole main event there were smaller nine-, six- and three-hole competitions to give all ages and levels an opportunity to test their skills against the course and fellow competitors.

Locals Ferg Perriam (Gross) and Jack Scott (Nett) took home the honours in the nine-hole division whilst fellow Wanaka members Beau PHOTO: supplied Gordon and Jesse Waghorn, the latter in a playoff with Isabelle Ashford, won the six- and three-hole divisions. This included a significant rise in golfers travelling from both Dunedin and Queenstown to contests, respectively.

Organisers were extremely happy with the turnout compete alongside the Wanaka members.

Pictured: Callum Judkins after his hole in one. which saw a total of 39 entries across the various

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Emma Conyngham

newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz

December 1 was supposed to be the opening of the summer season but instead the snow boots were on and Santa even showed up making it a rare white Kiwi Christmas event.

Mother Nature has been unpredictable lately and the unseasonal dump of snow last week saw Cardrona get the snow cat back out to groom the Beginners’ Area, offering first timer ski and snowboard

packages and snow tubing from the covered Learner Conveyor.

“This is going to be a truly unique summer opening weekend for us and all our visitors – we’re embracing what our maunga has given us and we’re excited to offer something completely different for the start of December,” Cardrona general manager, Bridget Legnavsky said.

Summer mountain biking and mountain carting were initially delayed by a few days, but opened yesterday (Wednesday 5).

Pictured: Santa with Cardrona staff.

Wanaka | Queenstown | Christchurch

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Two for one Tuesdays are on at Alchemy

SPORTS RESULTS Please send sports results to sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

by Tuesday at noon.

Wanaka Progressive Bowls 23.11.18 Skips 1st M Baxter 2nd S Culverwell 3rd T Tovey Thirds 1st R Chartres 2nd J Hogan 3rd J Feehly Leads 1st J Reid 2nd M Parker 3rd N Matheson 30.11.18 Skips 1st B Russell 2nd C Kiewiet 3rd D Byers Thirds 1st R Chartres 2nd B Kane 3rd J Hogan Leads 1st W Byers 2nd B Thorburn 3rd J Hill Wanaka Bridge Club (Tues) 1st equal John Schwarz, Peter Hart/ Heather Wellman, Shirley Coppage 65.08%. 3rd Dean & Leigh Snelling 50.79% (Wed) N/S 1st Nan Ottrey,

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Sherril Harries 70.83%. 2nd Terry Wilson, Lyn Hill 53.65%. 3rd Jill Paxman, Mary MacLean 51.04%.

E/W 1st Michael Chapman-Smith, Martin Unwin 66.25%. 2nd Denise Bunn, Carolyn Field 59.66%. 3rd John Schwarz, Peter Hart 56.25% (Fri-H/ Cap) N/S 1st Jenny Muir, Errol Kelly 57.94%. 2nd Pat Gray, Val Young 56.98%. 3rd Bridget McCaughan, Noelene Raffills 55.92%. E/W 1st Noeline Munro, Carolyn Grey 60.25%.

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Picnic time for teddy bears ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Several well-loved stuffed animals joined their owners to make their way to Wanaka Station Park as part of the resurrected Teddy Bears’ Picnic last Sunday. The warm temperatures were a perfect opportunity to kick off the start of summer and welcome more than 200 children, parents, grandparents and even Santa to Upper Clutha Plunket’s (UCP) annual event.

“We decided to resurrect the Teddy Bears’ Picnic two years ago after a substantial hiatus,” said UCP vice president Claire Perkins. “We wanted to hold a fun, free, family-focused event targeted predominately at the under-fivers, and this event

GREBE DIARY 5 December 2 2018

fits the bill nicely.”

Anna van Riel took the lead as the event MC and engaged the children with songs and dancing.

Wanaka Ukuleles also shared performances with the group.

The Plunket rooms in Wanaka and the majority of provided UCP community services are funded by grants and local fundraising. The group said it always welcomes volunteers to join their committee to help ensure these types of events and services remain in operation.

“UCP would like to thank the Teddy Bears’ Picnic sponsors: Queenstown Lakes District Council, Wanaka Wastebusters, Mitre 10 Wanaka, Wanaka Volunteer Fire Brigade, Plunket volunteers and, of course, Santa,” said Perkins.

PHOTO: John Darby

It’s been a hectic week trying to figure out what happened in the previous week when we lost the contents of six nests. Part of that has been getting my head around new technology, a trail camera and it quickly became evident that I had not got my head around it when I was faced with editing 6900 separate images in addition to learning that the camera angle was not quite right.

The photo above was taken a day later with a hand held camera at the same time as the trail camera was photographing the event from above.

It clearly identifies the main suspect.

This was on nest five, the last of the six nests to be predated and I had baited the nest with a hen’s egg.

I borrowed my son’s camera and sat it out for some 90 minutes as I watched two black-backed gulls edge closer and closer to the nest, mostly flying from the top of one pole to the next and clearly keeping an eye on me. With the camera focused on

the nest, I watched (from the corner of my eye) as the birds appeared to fly towards the end of the marina, circle and then land about 6m from nest five on the walkway. I decided to grab a shot of them there and much to my astonishment I noted through the camera lens that one of the birds already had an egg in its beak noting that the egg I had used as bait was still in nest five!!

One bird then turned its attention to nest five, swooped down and picked up the egg and proceeded to share it with its mate. It was only when I got home and used editing technology and enlarged the image could I confirm that the first egg they had was indeed a grebe egg.

All this was happening on the same day as nest six was hatching her brood and this was the egg left over after all the chicks had hatched.

I will return to the adventures of Greg the grebe chick next week.

– John Darby

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Crimeline

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Freedom camping hubs QLDC recently surveyed residents on their views re: freedom campers in the central Otago region. The results show the majority are against freedom campers living for free and increasingly fouling the environment. Despite this, recent government funding has enabled the establishment of two free hubs (one campsite and one service hub) for freedom campers in the Wanaka-Luggate area as reported in the Wanaka Sun. Government funding means that we as tax-payers are paying for freedom-campers to shower, toilet, use wireless and dump their waste at the service hub.

We cannot afford to be seen as a country where unscrupulous users can take without conscience. Despite what a few have claimed, there is zero research evidence to show freedom campers continue to add any value economically, socially or environmentally to this country. The NZ hosting of the Rugby World Cup (when the Act was established) was years ago and there is no reason to continue with the Act. If people can afford to travel here, hire or buy vehicles, and pay for fuel, they can pay the pittance that camping grounds charge.

Apparently the camping grounds in this area are only at 20 percent occupancy on average as freedom campers take advantage of free facilities, or toilet, wash and pollute wherever they wish (the latest human excrement and toilet paper I found was in Kelly’s recreation reserve in Wanaka where many children and adults play). We all pay for our housing, water and sanitation. So should campers. It seems evident these campers are a drain on our economy and worse than this, a threat to our environment. We are at serious risk of ruining paradise by allowing free-loaders carte blanche.

The Freedom Camping Act is overdue for repeal and any services provided for campers should be user-pays.

Dr Deborah Fraser

QLDC General Manager Community Services Thunes Cloete responds: Thanks for taking the time to write in and share your views.

To build on the points you make about community feedback, we have also had a strong message that more needs to be done to protect our environment and our residents’ ability to enjoy it.

The initiatives in place for this summer are trials and will help us to gather data and insights to guide our strategy in the future. Another important part of the puzzle for the future management of camping is our recently adopted Responsible Camping Strategy, you can check it out on the Council website – there’s a link on the home page.

Importantly, the Council has not set up hubs to compete with local camping grounds and holiday parks.

The funding received from the government’s Tourism Facilities Development Fund is to help communities deal with the issue of freedom camping. A large portion of this funding is being used for education, including six full-time camping ambassadors roaming around Wanaka to encourage responsible behaviour and guide campers where to go – this includes promotion of the local camping grounds, holiday parks and activities across the region.

The two overnight hubs (in Kingston and Wanaka) have been provided in areas that Freedom Camping was already taking place. We are simply providing facilities and education to manage the impacts that activity was having on the area. And if the vehicles are not self-contained, they are being directed to the camping grounds and holiday parks.

We welcome feedback on the trials taking place over summer and will certainly take yours on board. If you’d like to provide further feedback, don’t hesitate to email it through to services@qldc.govt.nz and use the subject line Camping Feedback.

PHOTO: Wanaka sun

PHOTO: Wanaka Sun

HENDERSON I Ian Senior Constable , NZPD Now that summer has finally arrived, local Police have had an interesting week involving a variety of incidents, so here is a summary: Monday and Tuesday last week were reasonably quiet, but on Wednesday, November 28, Police attended a crash on Mt Aspiring Road out near Treble Cone where a tourist approaching a cattle-stop drove off the road and through a fence. The driver was taken to Dunstan Hospital as a precaution.

Also that day a local man was arrested for ‘obtaining by deception’.

Domestic incidents were attended on November 27, 29, and 30. Police safety orders were issued in two of the incidents while the third resulted in a male being processed for drinkdriving and related charges.

On the Friday night Police attended a serious incident on Denniston Road, Hawea, where a male was hit by a passing vehicle as he was walking along the road. The victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries, while the vehicle failed to stop and has yet to be located.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of a white wellside Ute with recent frontal damage is asked to contact Wanaka Police.

Police also attended a large fight in

Helwick Street at about 12.20am.

On Saturday night, an assault that took place in the grounds of Mt Aspiring College, and this is also being investigated.

On Sunday, December 2, Police received two reports of damage to vehicles parked at Wanaka Auto Sales in Brownston Street, and a male acting suspiciously in Hillview Place off Plantation Road.

The Wanaka Beer Festival at the Showgrounds on Saturday afternoon was a success- a sell out and many good craft beers and some amazing food was consumed by those fortunate enough to attend. Well done to the organisers, the exhibitors/foodies and those on security.

Cromwell Races on a hot day was very busy with a capacity crowd and some exciting racing. A pass mark from Police, many young people on show making an effort to dress up for the occasion, and only a few issues with behaviour and intoxication.

Please note that the yearround liquor ban for the Wanaka and Hawea townships has been extended to 8pm to 8am daily. The Christmas and New Year liquor bans stay the same.

Have a safe week.

Wine Tastings, Sales and Platters

L I K E NEWS

A visit to the Lakes District Museum & Gallery is a must-do in Arrowtown.

We have a fantastic museum with activities for kids, an art exhibition in our gallery space, a bookshop, and an information desk staffed by knowledgeable locals.

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OPERATING DAY IN 2019 See you in Arrowtown this summer!

THE WANAKA SUN

6 January | 3 February | 3 March | 7 April 03 444 5801 39 Hayes Rd, Oturehua, Ida Valley www.hayesengineering.co.nz

THURSDAY 06.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 12.12.18

Open Daily 10am – 5pm 03 445 4142

Opposite the Big Fruit, Entance via Shortcut Road

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TRADES AND SERVICES CHICKEN

HOT CHICKEN & CHIPS

NOW AVAILABLE AT CALTEX WANAKA

SKIPS Domestic and Commercial Skip Bins

7.0 – 9.0 m3 Skip Bins 4.0 m3 Hard Fill Skips 4.0 m3 Rubbish Bin With Lid Contact Johnny Ph: 0224 SKIP IT (754 748) W: www.skipit.nz When you want to get rid of it - just skip it!

PAVING

CURTAINS

PAINTING

Wanaka Salvation Army Family Store. Opening Hours – Monday to Friday For all your interior/exterior house 9am – 5pm, Saturday For all your interior/exterior house painting requirements, call Ben 9.30am – 4pm. We look painting requirements, call Ben Specialising in and receive a FREE QUOTE. and receive a FREE QUOTE. forward to seeing you curtains and blinds here!

0204 0133 350 0204 0133 350 Donations kindly received. including all repairs paint@btppainting.com paint@btppainting.com Please drop them into the www.btppainting.com www.btppainting.com Salvation Army Family Based in Wanaka store or ph 443 5068 to book a pick up.

Cut rags (100% cotton) Phone Helen: 022 413 4622 and drop cloths, only e: helen@dynzdesignz.co.nz $7 for a big bag. Now web: www.dynzdesignz.co.nz in the yard container at PLUMBING Wastebusters. Open 9-5 seven days.

LAUNDRY Serving Wanaka and Business Networking Central Otago Regions International. The Wanaka Call for free no obligation quotes chapter of BNI meets Redeem your weekly at 7am Tuesday New World FUELUP fuel discount vouchers or use morning. Great networking your AA Smartfuel card. opportunity to grow your business. Contact Vicki Open 6am-11pm daily Donoghue for information DRAINAGE l PLUMBING l GAS FITTING Laundromat 027 208 9462.

M: 021 709 918 W: www.gwplumbing.co.nz Shower Rags, rags, rags ... little LPG ones, big ones, cotton Brushless Carwash ones and drop cloths, ATM available from the Convenience store WANTED WANTED Wanaka Salvation Army Wanted by the Salvation pop them into the store in Family Store 443 5068.

Army Family Store, if any Brownston Street.

STORAGE one has any spare pillow Volunteers SERVICES required cases we would love them, at The Salvation Army Wanaka Pharmacy is your local please just drop them into Clean, dry, safe storage Family store if you have pharmacy. We’re the big pharmacy the store, thanks. at the top of Helwick Street - open available now. Lockbox Self The Salvation Army Family some free time and would from 8am until 7pm every single store would like used glass like to be part of a team day. Ph 443 8000.

Storage, 12 Gordon Road, spice jars with lids, to which makes a difference, Free computer lessons for Wanaka, Ph: 021 242 1630. older people - Community donate these please just come and see us.

Networks is offering one-onone lessons in your own home on your own device or at our PEST CONTROL offices. If you are interested call into Community Networks or phone 03 443 7799.

Would a weekly visitor and a bit of companionship enhance your life? We have volunteers who would like to meet a senior to share stories or take you on an outing. If you are interested please contact Community Networks on 03 443 7799 or contact the project coordinator, Anscilaine on championforolderpeople@ gmail.com.

REVENUE – are TRADES & atINLANDCommunity Networks, SERVICES Wednesday 12th December. If you need help with your Tax return, Family Tax credits or any ADVERTS WANAKA’S INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER other enquiry give Community FROM Networks a call on 03443 7799 ISSUE 899 to make an appointment for this free service.

Free delivery to Wanaka, Cromwell and surrounds, PO boxes in Deadlines: JP SERVICES are available at Makarora, Cromwell, Haast, Wanaka, Albert Town and Hawea.

Display Advertising 4pm Friday prior to Also distributed to businesses in the Wanaka business district publication.

Community Networks every +GST Average circulation: 15,000 weekly.

adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz Tuesday from 1pm - 2pm and

021 786 740 Phone: 03 443 5252 • Fax: 03 443 5250 Friday from 10:30am - 11:30am.

Editor: Ruth Blunt • editor@thewanakasun.co.nz Please book your appointment Classified Advertising 5pm Monday prior by ringing Community Networks Journalists: Emma Conyngham - newsdesk@thewanakasun.co.nz Text: 0220 786 778 THANKS Allison McLean - journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

admin@thewanakasun.co.nz on 03 443 7799.

Thanks to everyone who WHEELS TO DUNSTAN - free Advertising: 021 786 740 Subscriptions: $175 within NZ

adrep@thewanakasun.co.nz comes to Wastebusters shuttle service to Dunstan

(including GST) per year.

Admin: Benn Ashford • 021 956 740

Overseas rates on request. to donate goods, Hospital or Alexandra specialist

admin@thewanakasun.co.nz

Remittances to shop and recycle.

Your appointments, also linking Mail: PO Box 697, Wanaka

PO Box 697, Wanaka, NZ. with the St John Health Shuttle support helps us work to Dunedin Hospital. For for zero waste and a bookings please call Community WWW.THEWANAKASUN.CO.NZ resourceful community. Networks on 443 7799.

PAINTERS&& PAINTERS DECORATORS DECORATORS

GW Logo Paths.indd 1

Resin bound paving specialists 0800 70 8000

www.stonesetnz.co.nz

EMPLOYMENT CLYDE, CENTRAL OTAGO

RECRUITING

With the busy summer season upon us we are recruiting for the following additions to our team:

• CHEF DE PARTIE • RESTAURANT SUPERVISOR • CAFÉ MANAGER We are a 7 day a week business so you would be required to work rostered shifts, including some weekends.

You must enjoy working in a fast paced environment, be able to keep calm in a crisis and have a passion for great customer service, food and wine.

If you have the relevant experience, NZ residency or a current work visa, and would like to join us please send your CV and cover letter to: recruit@olivers.co.nz Applicants must have NZ Residency or a current work visa to be considered for these positions.

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NOTICES

10/26/2017 11:38:28 AM

SUN TEAM

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EMPLOYMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

N o t i c e b o a rd | P a p a P ā n u i Amendment to December Meeting Schedule Additional Meeting: Appeals Subcommittee – Council Chambers, 10 Gorge Road, Queenstown. Thursday 13 December 2018 at 8.45am.

This meeting will be held with the public excluded, pursuant to Section 7(2)(g) and Section 7(2)(i) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987.

Food and Beverage Proposals Requested for Council Sport and Recreation Facility Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) is seeking proposals for the provision of on-site food and beverage services at Wanaka Recreation Centre (WRC), with the successful provider to operate a ‘coffee cart’ or similar operation outside the main entrance.

Request for proposal documents are available on the ‘Tenders and EOIs’ page of QLDC’s website, found at https://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/formal-processes/tenders-and-eois/ Proposals must be received before 10.00am on Friday 21 December 2018. It is anticipated that the WRC operation will begin by early February 2019.

This tender process is running separately to a similar process for Queenstown Events Centre (QEC).

Private Bag 50072 | 33 Reece Crescent Wanaka Phone 03 443 0024 | www.qldc.govt.nz

20 words and for non commercial personal advertising only.

FREE

BY 5:00PM MONDAY

0220 786 778

CLASSIFIEDS TEXT

GENERAL NOTICE

Commercial Manager The position of Commercial Manager has become available at Rippon, a well-established, family owned Wanaka vineyard and winery. This is a full-time, onsite position, joining a small, dynamic team, overseeing the general and financial administration. The Commercial Manager will oversee specific events and sales positions within the existing business and shall report to the General Manager and Board of Directors.

Key responsibilities will include: • Budgeting, reporting & sales reviews • Daily administration & book keeping including invoicing, payroll & bank reconciliations • Stock control • Marketing support to winemaker & key staff • Providing oversight to existing events management position.

The successful applicant shall: • have an existing and ongoing right to work in New Zealand • be ready to commence work in Wanaka in January 2019 • be personable and willing to adapt to varying roles within a small team • preferably have previous experience in the hospitality, events or wine sector.

• be able to demonstrate experience in office systems and management.

Thank you to our fantastic local employers supporting The Gateway and Work Experience Programmes at MAC by providing Work Based Learning placements in 2018.

Aotea Electric, Aspiring Enliven Care Centre, Aspiring Spannerworx, Beanie Cafe, Batchelor McDougall Consulting, Cardrona Distillery, Cedar Maintain, Checketts McKay, Clarks Autos Ltd, CSI Electrical, Cut It Joinery, Dean Murray Painting, Dieselzone, Edgewater Resort, Electnet, Elmslie House, Flooring Xtra, Gallaway Cook Allan, Gibb Building Ltd, Gilfedder Electrical, GroundUp Brewery, Hammer & Nail Bakery, HeliSupport, Ideal Electrical, Inline Electrical, Lake Hawea Station, Lake Wanaka Electrical, Little Wonders Oanaka, Maude Wines, Mitre 10, Montessori Children’s House Wanaka, NuLook Wanaka, Opulence, Patagonia Chocolate, Performance Aviation, RDA, Relishes , Templeton & Sons, The Good Laundry Company, Treble Cone, Turnkey Homes, Twenty 24 Ltd, Urban Grind, Upper Clutha Transport, VetEnt, Vetlife, Wanaclean Car, Wanaka Brick & Block, Wanaka Golf Club, Wanaka Joinery & Glass, Wanaka Primary, Wanaka Stainless, Wild Wire, World Travellers Wanaka.

If you are interested in getting involved next year email Dan Cullen, Gateway Coordinator, at dan.cullen@mtaspiring. school.nz or Kenna Fraser our Work Experience Coordinator kenna.fraser@mtaspiring.school.nz for more information.

This position will commence in January 2019, with interviews to be held in Wanaka in December 2018.

Please forward a cover letter and CV with referees by no later than Friday, 14th December to apply@rippon.co.nz

EVERY LETTERBOX EVERY THURSDAY Is your Wanaka Sun delivered every Thursday?

If not, email your address to admin@thewanakasun.co.nz or phone us on 03 443 5252 THE WANAKA SUN

THURSDAY 06.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 12.12.18

PAGE 15

Sun Sport

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Swimmers up against the best

PHOTO: Martina (Tina) Ball

MAC athletes outrun competition ALLISON MCLEAN

journalist@thewanakasun.co.nz

Twelve Mount Aspiring College (MAC) female students put one foot in front of another to take home medals and high recognition at the 46th New Zealand Secondary School Track and Field and 44th Road Race Championships in Dunedin last weekend.

Their successful bid pinned them against 1300 other national student athletes during three-days of competition at Caledonian Ground at Logan Park to bring home one individual national gold champion medal, one individual bronze medal and a silver medal and bronze medal to the relay teams.

“This is, without doubt, the greatest success the college has enjoyed at this event,” said MAC teacher-in-charge Lincoln Bruce.

Zoe Smith ran a tactical race in windy conditions to push away in the last lap and win gold in the junior girls (under-16) 1500m. Abby Fisher kept a strong pace in the junior girls 100m sprint field to claim third

place. Fisher teamed up with Georgie Bruce, Abby East and Scarlett Norman to also secure third place in the junior girls 4x100m relay and, less than a hour later, second place in the 4x400m relay. Fisher, Bruce, East and Norman are all 14-years-old and, therefore, able to compete as juniors again in the 2019 national event.

New Zealand Secondary Schools Athletics Association (NZSSAA) holds four main competitions each year, including the Track and Field and Road Race Championship, and opens them to NZSSAAaffiliated schools.

Bruce said “next for some of these athletes will be the South Island Colgate Games in mid-January in Dunedin competing for Aspiring Athletes Club. All of them will be competing at Otago and then South Island secondary school champs next March, so lots to look forward to.”

Pictured: MAC student Zoe Smith winning gold in the junior girls 1500m at 2018 NZ Secondary Schools Track and Field and Road Race Championships in Dunedin last weekend.

PHOTO: Wanaka Swimming Club

Sports reporter

sports@thewanakasun.co.nz

Swimming Otago held its annual Long Course Championship meet from November 30 - December 2 at Dunedin’s Moana Pool with five members of Wanaka Swim Club qualifying for the event.

Kate Bennie, Jack Findlay, Cruz Morland, Hannah Piper and Ben Silipo were up against some of Otago's best swimmers, but the stiff competition did not prevent them from bringing home 22 medals and recording 21 personal best times.

Between them the swimmers placed first 12 times, placed second six times, placed third four times and gained

eight ribbons for finishing in places four to eight.

Kate Bennie and Ben Silipo also raced a new National Age Group Championships (NAGS) qualifying time for the 400m free (Bennie) and 50m free (Silipo).

Cruz Morland and Jack Findlay earned several PBs each and came close to their NAGS qualifying times while Hannah Piper bested her times in five out of nine events, working her way towards Division 2 qualifying times.

One final meet of the year lies ahead with the Southland Long Course Championships taking place in Invercargill from December 13-16.

Pictured: Ben Silipo, Jack Findlay, Kate Bennie and Cruz Morland.

THE HEIGHTS WANAKA

Over

90%

Priced from $425,000

sold!

A project of UNIVERSAL DEVELOPMENTS

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THURSDAY 06.12.18 - WEDNESDAY 12.12.18

THE WANAKA SUN